Even the best HVAC equipment can’t last forever, so prudent homeowners start saving for overhauls from day one. It’s equally important to find a reliable, licensed local contractor who will serve you with integrity and advise you on how to optimize your project.
Certified BHCA provides HVAC replacement services without markups or hidden surcharges; its loyal and transparent pricing policies cater to a wide range of Colorado homeowners. With proper cost planning, replacing your air conditioning system will not seem like a black hole in your family budget, and you will learn how to calculate the costs correctly in this article.
Does the HVAC system need to be changed?
Climate control systems have a great deal of durability. Accidents are rare in the midst of complete prosperity; before it retires, the equipment warns homeowners that it’s about to fail. Call an HVAC technician as soon as possible if you’ve been experiencing minor but pesky problems with your climate control system in recent times:
- spontaneous switching on and off;
- uneven heating of rooms, formation of cold islands;
- frequent activation of emergency protection;
- extraneous noises, odors and vibrations;
- damage to the housing and conductive elements;
- thermostat malfunctions;
- oil stains on the compressor;
- leakage, refrigerant leakage or evaporator freezing;
- large amounts of dust despite regular cleaning;
- motor overheating and continuous fan operation;
- unexplained increase in electricity bills.
Even if there are no complaints from the climate control unit, it doesn’t hurt to check the actual cost of replacing the HVAC system if the equipment was installed more than 10 years ago. The natural wear and tear and obsolescence of climate control equipment reduces the energy efficiency of air conditioning, so it is not rational to repair old furnaces and air conditioners. It is easier to choose a new resource-saving model that will pay for itself faster than repairing dilapidated equipment.
How much does it cost to replace an HVAC?
The cost of an HVAC replacement project includes the purchase of climate control equipment and supplies, labor costs for installation crews, and surcharges for the reconstruction of utilities. In total, an overhaul costs USD 5,000-34,000, depending on the region, technical parameters and marketing nuances; the average cost is about USD 8,000, or USD 25-70 per square foot. The type and configuration of the system also matters; for clarity, let’s consider the approximate cost of the most popular HVAC varieties in the United States.
For example, replacing a standard system with a furnace and central air conditioner is estimated to cost USD 7,800 with a range of USD 5,100 to 21,000, with an air conditioning unit costing up to USD 11,000 and a gas furnace – USD 956 to 3,870; electric furnaces are slightly less expensive at USD 770 to 3,520. Labor and repair team visit costs USD 500 to 2500; overhead line reconstruction raises the project cost by USD 10 to 20 per foot for an average length of 50 to 200 feet; replacing thermal insulation adds another USD 1,000 to 2,000 to the bill.
In older homes and buildings where ductwork is not available or where there are gross errors, ductless split systems are usually installed with the compressor unit outside and the heater in the basement. Choosing a split-system, you will spend on reorganization of climate control from USD 2,140 to 4,000; increasing the number of evaporator units increases the cost of the project, but expands the possibilities of zonal temperature adjustment and reduces irrational energy costs.
An alternative solution for small houses is the installation of an air heat pump for USD 3,300 to 8,700; despite the impressive initial investment, the operation of heat pumps in regions with moderate climates is extremely profitable – energy costs for heating are reduced by almost half. In colder climates, hybrid heating systems with an air pump and a furnace are used, which are more expensive – from USD 6,000 to 11,000.
To select the right equipment and get a preliminary estimate, book an online consultation with an HVAC expert on the BHC&Air website. As soon as possible, we will give you an approximate project cost and refine the price based on the results of the climate system audit. If the customer finds the price too high, we will consider the possibilities of saving money and find a personalized solution, which is impossible to refuse, because you will not find a better offer!
What factors do I need to consider when calculating the cost of replacing my HVAC system?
The wide range of prices is explained by the many variables in the formula for calculating the estimate: structural parameters of buildings and equipment, condition of communications, operating conditions of climate control equipment, brand prestige and market conditions are taken into account. For more clarity, let’s look at the key factors affecting the cost of the HVAC system replacement and the pricing policy of contractors.
- Weather conditions. Extreme winter and summer temperatures require powerful climate control equipment, which is more expensive and requires additional investment in supporting infrastructure and maintenance.
- Performance of the climate system: innovative equipment with higher efficiency is priced higher than standard models, but the cost will soon be recouped in energy savings.
- Accessibility of key components. If system components are located in tight and inaccessible places, the cost of the service increases.
- Size and layout of the air-conditioned room. The longer the length of air pipelines and the more complex the architecture of communications are, the more expensive the services of installers are; an additional fee of USD 2,000-3,000 is charged for each new zone of air conditioning.
- Condition of the building and communications. It is easier and cheaper to replace climate equipment using old air routes than to lay ducts from scratch. In older buildings, replacement of climate control systems is often accompanied by modernization and repair of thermal insulation and engineering systems, which entails additional investments.
- Additional accessories. You will need to pay an additional USD 125-250 for the installation of thermostat, USD 400-2,000 and more for humidifier; USD 1,300-3,500 for moisture remover.
- Status of the manufacturing company. On the market of climatic equipment there are worthy offers in different price categories – from luxury to economy class.
- Close location of warehouses and established contacts with suppliers of the certified HVAC components reduce labor costs, so if possible, choose local contractors.
How do you save money on replacing your HVAC system?
If the cost of replacing your entire HVAC system on the basis of a preliminary estimate makes you shudder, don’t be in a hurry to put off repairs until better times. Take advantage of the proven, practical, and cost-effective tips and tricks to reduce the cost of climate system renovation projects of any complexity:
- Look for a full-service company: when air conditioning design, installation and maintenance are handled by the same organization, there is no need to pay commissions.
- Schedule repairs during the off-season – in the winter and summer, due to peak demand for HVAC contractors, rates for all types of work increase dramatically and decrease just as dramatically in the spring and fall during the lull period.
- Install weather-dependent controls that reduce energy consumption by 20-25% to improve the energy efficiency of your heating and air conditioning systems.
- Ask about discounts, promotions and discount programs – contractors are interested in attracting customers and will surely offer you favorable cooperation schemes.
- Take part in municipal and federal programs for climate system renovation – you can take a soft target loan, get a cashback, tax deduction or subsidy for upgrading innovative equipment.
What’s cheaper: calling in a professional or replacing your HVAC system yourself?
Replacing climate systems requires professional training and authorization; unauthorized tampering results in loss of warranty coverage, and attempting to replace a furnace or chimney without a license can result in fines. Mistakes in working with climate control equipment, use of unsuitable tools and non-standard components lead to large-scale accidents that can devastate your savings in an instant. At the same time, an inexperienced technician runs the risk of electrical injury or Freon vapor poisoning due to failure to observe safety precautions.
Even if you do everything correctly and do not get in the sight of supervisory authorities, the problems will not pass – to sell the house after a self-reconstruction HVAC is extremely difficult. So don’t complicate your life and contact a certified contractor: as a rule, the most favorable cost of HVAC system replacement is offered by local companies, and it’s easy to check the reputation of a local company – all projects are in plain sight!
What questions should I ask about the cost of a replacement HVAC?
Before signing a contract for an expensive service, don’t hesitate to ask tricky questions to the management team: real professionals will be happy to explain all the nuances. If you are a complete amateur and don’t know how to approach the topic, we offer you a sample list of questions that will help you form an objective opinion about the quality of service and the reasonableness of the requested price.
What is the average cost to replace an HVAC system in your region?
Too sharp fluctuations in the direction of appreciation and cheapening of the service inspire concern: in the first case we should assume hidden surcharges, in the second – it is not excluded an attempt to dumping on the part of inexperienced or low-qualified contractor.
How do I calculate the capacity of a climate control system?
The starting point is based on energy consumption standards of 20 to 60 BTU per square foot, and then adjusted for operating conditions, building parameters, and condition of major components and utilities. BHC&Air selects equipment elements based on personalized designs and specifications; every solution has an engineering and economic justification – we offer the best options!
How is the cost of the work determined?
Standard hourly rates are used in estimating labor costs; urgency and overtime hours are charged at a special rate. Repairs last 6 to 10 hours; in complex cases where ductwork reconstruction is required, the project duration increases to two to three days.
How to negotiate discounted equipment supplies?
BHC&Air has a partnership agreement with Xcel Energy for preferential supplies of climate control equipment, spare parts and consumables, so the prices of equipment for our customers are lower than market prices.
What if you can’t find an exact match for a dismantled furnace or air conditioner?
In case of replacing dilapidated and obsolete equipment when installing a new model, it may be necessary to reconstruct the communications, which is charged separately. Therefore, we strongly recommend a comprehensive inspection of the system to identify possible faults and find the best solutions.
